St. Louis adopts resolution to recognize anniversary of Roe v. Wade

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted 20-2 Friday to adopt a resolution recognizing the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Alderwoman Sarah Wood Martin sponsored the resolution commemorating the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S., according to a news release from NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri.

“Now more than ever, we need leaders who are ready to stand with women and their families and not be silent,” said Martin of the 11th Ward. “The coordinated attack on women’s health care is real, and I stand with the majority of our state, ready to fight for real solutions that expand freedom and expand abortion rights in Missouri.”

The resolution supports House Bill 1772, introduced by Missouri state Rep. Judy Morgan, D-Kansas City, to the Missouri General Assembly, also known as the “Respect Women’s Abortion Decisions Act.” The bill ensures that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion will remain legal in Missouri.

“If Roe is reversed, the legality of abortion is left up to the states and, at present, only seventeen states affirmatively protect the right to abortion. That’s why Missouri needs to act now,” said Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri Alison Dreith.

The effort is part of a nationwide campaign by lawmakers in 25 states to protect Roe through state legislation, the news release states.

“The decision about whether or when to become a parent is a deeply personal and private matter," Morgan said. "This legislation is intended to guarantee the freedom of those involved to make their own decisions."